Happy Tuesday everybody! Just a quick post today to give you all a bit of insight into my brain at the moment. This month's mood board reflects the pastel colours, vintage look and generally summery feel that I'm loving at the moment!
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
Current mood: Summer loving
Happy Tuesday everybody! Just a quick post today to give you all a bit of insight into my brain at the moment. This month's mood board reflects the pastel colours, vintage look and generally summery feel that I'm loving at the moment!
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Dreaming of high fashion
In April last year Rihanna caused controversy among the fash pack at the premier of Battle Ships. Instead of walking the red carpet in the usual floor length frocks and delicately crafted jewellery, she turned up to the event in a light blue silk pyjama suit. Oh the scandal!
Despite the hugely split opinions, I fell in love with the look and so did a large proportion of clothes lovers who went after their own sleepwear inspired ensembles. For quite a while the whole concept was "a thing" and thanks to designers including Louis Vuitton the look spread like stylish wild fire among high fashion followers.
It seems that this year clothes inspired by those that would usually be tucked under your pillow are making a come back. Once again, for A/W 2013 Louis Vuitton have lead the way, this time with a more delicate approach. Replacing the trouser suits and long sleeved shirts are light silk dresses reminiscent of nighties and slightly more structured coats seemingly based on the humble dressing gown. It's as though the pyjamas suits of a few seasons ago have taken a stiletto clad step towards a feminine A/W.
Soft touches were also introduced throughout the collection. Sheer and embroidered panels, fur covered clutch bags and shoes, as well as thin waist belts, all bought together the feminine feel of the show. Though the use of such delicate, yet extremely grown up, accessories, Louis Vuitton successfully made sleepwear wearable once again.
What do you think of the collection?
Bethany Paige X
Despite the hugely split opinions, I fell in love with the look and so did a large proportion of clothes lovers who went after their own sleepwear inspired ensembles. For quite a while the whole concept was "a thing" and thanks to designers including Louis Vuitton the look spread like stylish wild fire among high fashion followers.
It seems that this year clothes inspired by those that would usually be tucked under your pillow are making a come back. Once again, for A/W 2013 Louis Vuitton have lead the way, this time with a more delicate approach. Replacing the trouser suits and long sleeved shirts are light silk dresses reminiscent of nighties and slightly more structured coats seemingly based on the humble dressing gown. It's as though the pyjamas suits of a few seasons ago have taken a stiletto clad step towards a feminine A/W.
Soft touches were also introduced throughout the collection. Sheer and embroidered panels, fur covered clutch bags and shoes, as well as thin waist belts, all bought together the feminine feel of the show. Though the use of such delicate, yet extremely grown up, accessories, Louis Vuitton successfully made sleepwear wearable once again.
What do you think of the collection?
Bethany Paige X
Friday, 26 July 2013
The suitcase life
At the moment it seems as though I'm living out of a suitcase! After just 2 days at home I'm heading off again, this time to London, as part of the NCS scheme. Although it's safe to say that packing for tomorrow was a lot more interesting than for last week. In place of the joggers and baggy t-shirts that were suitable for rock climbing and the like in Wales, are pieces that are somewhat more stylish.
Outfit 2:
I picked out some statement jewellery pieces that I think will work with most of the outfits I've packed. It's usually the case that I forget any kind of outfit additions and end up accessory bare for my holidays, so I'm rather pleased with my self for remembering these beauties!
Makeup:
As well as hopefully being able to shoot some OOTDs whilst in the capital, I thought I'd show you some of the of the things I'm taking with me and have managed to squeeze into my case. I laid outfits on the floor, sorted out my makeup and decided on some interchangeable accessories that I could bring along. I'm hoping the organisation will pay off once there!
Outfit one:
Shorts - Unknow, top - River Island (no longer sold), shirt - Burtons
Top - Topshop, hat - River Island, Jeans - Zara, shoes - Topshop
Outfit 3:
Jeans (as before) - Zara, vest - Primark, pumps - Primark, shirt - Primark
Outfit 4:
Shorts - Unknow, shoes (as before) - Topshop, shirt - thrifted, top - unknown
As you can see with all the outfits, some of the pieces have been reused. Not only does that make packing easier but it saves my arm aching half as much! I also tried to pack outfits that worked for hot weather and cooler temperatures, with shirts that can be taken off and tied around my waist.
On top of the pre-planned ensembles I have packed some generic items, like basic t-shirts and another pair of jeans, just in case I need to snap together another look at short notice.
Watches:
Left to right - Casio, Burtons, River Island
As I mentioned in my last post, I'm going through a bit of a watch phase at the moment. I decided that for the journey I'll wear my new pink one (the rest of the look will hopefully be featured in an OOTD at some point) and also packed two black watches that I can switch between.
Accessories:
Neon bracelet - H&M, triangle necklace - Urban Outfitters,
earrings - unknown, beetle necklace - H&M
I picked out some statement jewellery pieces that I think will work with most of the outfits I've packed. It's usually the case that I forget any kind of outfit additions and end up accessory bare for my holidays, so I'm rather pleased with my self for remembering these beauties!
Makeup:
H&M Lipstick in "figi fling", sample sized Benefit "benetint" (cheek and lip stain),
Stilla eye shadow pallete, H&M eyeliner,
Rimelle 60 second dry nail varish in grey and brown.
I doubt that I'll have too much time for makeup while I'm away, so I stuck to packing my makeup staples. I included some fun items - my bordering on neon lippy - and the products to create a more natural look.
So there you have it: my suitcase snapshot. Fingers crossed I have't forgotten anything (unlikely)!
Tomorrow morning I head off to London and will, once again, be relying of scheduled posts to keep Paige of Fashion alive throughout my trip. I'm super excited to see everyone from my NCS group again but of course I'll also miss being behind the keyboard and talking to you beautiful people!
Have a fabulous time while I'm away,
Bethany Paige X
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Impulse buys
I'm back from Wales! Did you all miss me? Probably not because I scheduled blog posts in for the four days I was away, but for my benefit, pretend you did.
This is the first time I've actually written a post in over a week so regardless of whether you all missed me, I certainly missed you! I did have an absolutely amazing time on my NCS trip and I did meet some absolutely amazing people, but still it's nice to be back working on Paige of Fashion. So after returning home yesterday - several bruises worse for wear but smiling none the less - I decided to savour my blogging time!
In typical Bethany style, one of the first things I did today, after recovering some sleep (early nights were not on the cards throughout my time away), was go shopping! Believe it or not, I didn't actually plan the shopping trip. It just so happened that whilst in town running another errand I was drawn into the River Island sale. I only bought two things but of course I just have to show you!
I also snapped up an item that I've had my eye on for a while. After all, as a fashion blogger it seems only right to own some kind of beanie! You all know how obsessed I am with pastels and obviously lilac was the hat colour that seemed most perfect. It's oh-so-90s and just oh-so-pretty!
I'm also hoping to get my hands on some kind of neon beanie to add to the collection, but that's another story!
I hope you're all having beautiful weeks,
Bethany Paige X
This is the first time I've actually written a post in over a week so regardless of whether you all missed me, I certainly missed you! I did have an absolutely amazing time on my NCS trip and I did meet some absolutely amazing people, but still it's nice to be back working on Paige of Fashion. So after returning home yesterday - several bruises worse for wear but smiling none the less - I decided to savour my blogging time!
In typical Bethany style, one of the first things I did today, after recovering some sleep (early nights were not on the cards throughout my time away), was go shopping! Believe it or not, I didn't actually plan the shopping trip. It just so happened that whilst in town running another errand I was drawn into the River Island sale. I only bought two things but of course I just have to show you!
River Island - Was £15, bouht for £5
I think I'm starting to have a slight (huge) obsession with watches. More specifically, an obsession with plastic, bordering on tacky, watches. So, if you take that obsession and paint it bright pink this is what you get! It was a complete and utter impulse buy but considering how very me it is, I can see this becoming an almost permanent fixture of my wardrobe. Plus, the price was ah-mazing.
River Island - Was £10, bought for £3.
I also snapped up an item that I've had my eye on for a while. After all, as a fashion blogger it seems only right to own some kind of beanie! You all know how obsessed I am with pastels and obviously lilac was the hat colour that seemed most perfect. It's oh-so-90s and just oh-so-pretty!
I'm also hoping to get my hands on some kind of neon beanie to add to the collection, but that's another story!
I hope you're all having beautiful weeks,
Bethany Paige X
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
OOTD: Clashing continents
Oriental print trousers, an american football jersey and an oh-so-British satchel bag. It's safe to say that today's OOTD is quite the mix of continents. From top to stiletto clad toe, the whole outfit seems as though it shouldn't work. After all, a football jersey should be with jeans, and stilettos were made for a LBD. So really, putting the elements of this outfit together as an idea is bordering on insane. Yet, somehow I think it just works.
Despite the clashing pieces the outfit seems to flow, although perhaps a little unconventionally. The colours of yellow and black continue through each item with only the blue on the satchel bag deviating from the scheme. This makes the ensemble seem jointed, but in no way dull!
Thanks to the laid back and almost blindingly bright trousers with the two strap heels, the look is perfect for summer. It's stylishly light, meaning I'm able to cope in the heatwave that's hit England over the past few weeks!
What do you guys think?
Bethany Paige X
Despite the clashing pieces the outfit seems to flow, although perhaps a little unconventionally. The colours of yellow and black continue through each item with only the blue on the satchel bag deviating from the scheme. This makes the ensemble seem jointed, but in no way dull!
Thanks to the laid back and almost blindingly bright trousers with the two strap heels, the look is perfect for summer. It's stylishly light, meaning I'm able to cope in the heatwave that's hit England over the past few weeks!
Shoes - Primark, trousers - thrifted, top - unknown shop, bag - LYDC
What do you guys think?
Bethany Paige X
Monday, 22 July 2013
You're making me blush
Winter: A time for brown furs, dark red velvets and black leathers, right? Wrong. Not A/W 2013 at least. It seems that the usual dark and intense colour scheme associated with the cold weather will shift and be replaced with something a little more light hearted next season. Thanks to designers like Mui Mui, Simone Rocha and my personal favourite Roskanda Ilincic, cheeks aren't the only things that will be rosy this winter. Instead of deep shades, lightly blushed pinks are set to take center stage.Whether you chose to go with a powder pink co-ord or flushed silk, ankle skimming jacket, simply swapping your usual darker shades will take your wardrobe a stylish step forward.
As far as fabrics are concerned, it's not a simple case of swapping one for another. Among the silks reminiscent of sleep wear on the a/w 2013 catwalks, were tougher fabrics that contrasted with the pale pink colouring. PVC and leather dusted with the archetypal girly shade were seen spotted along the catwalks, whilst at other shows, fur lined silks with delicate sheen swayed past.
Both the unexpected and more predictable fabrics for the season had one simple thing in common: femininity.
Much like the other trends of a/w, the pink colour pallet embraces femininity. Through clever use of fitting and fabrics, designers managed to abolish the girly and overly youthful connotations attached to the shade, producing clothes with an overruling sense of sophistication.
There's almost a sweet irony in such a warm colour dominating such a cold period. In fact, it's quite hard to imagine a sugary pink clad lady trudging through British snow, or perhaps more likely sludge. Can you picture that beautifully light, silk Louis Vuitton jacket on a voyage down Oxford Street, being forced through a barrage of dirty rain and smokey wind? It seems implausible. Yet, if you allow the mind to wander past the expected heavy trench coats and jeans of winter, there's a sense of magic attached to such an image. Perhaps that's what makes this trend so beautifully composed. All though in summer it would perhaps feel a little more in place, in winter the colour seems as though it will create a sense of serenity among the chaos. The wearer would seem confident enough to go against the conventional and towards the nonchalant but somehow poised and undeniably sophisticated aura that this trend presents.
Bethany Paige X
As far as fabrics are concerned, it's not a simple case of swapping one for another. Among the silks reminiscent of sleep wear on the a/w 2013 catwalks, were tougher fabrics that contrasted with the pale pink colouring. PVC and leather dusted with the archetypal girly shade were seen spotted along the catwalks, whilst at other shows, fur lined silks with delicate sheen swayed past.
Both the unexpected and more predictable fabrics for the season had one simple thing in common: femininity.
Much like the other trends of a/w, the pink colour pallet embraces femininity. Through clever use of fitting and fabrics, designers managed to abolish the girly and overly youthful connotations attached to the shade, producing clothes with an overruling sense of sophistication.
There's almost a sweet irony in such a warm colour dominating such a cold period. In fact, it's quite hard to imagine a sugary pink clad lady trudging through British snow, or perhaps more likely sludge. Can you picture that beautifully light, silk Louis Vuitton jacket on a voyage down Oxford Street, being forced through a barrage of dirty rain and smokey wind? It seems implausible. Yet, if you allow the mind to wander past the expected heavy trench coats and jeans of winter, there's a sense of magic attached to such an image. Perhaps that's what makes this trend so beautifully composed. All though in summer it would perhaps feel a little more in place, in winter the colour seems as though it will create a sense of serenity among the chaos. The wearer would seem confident enough to go against the conventional and towards the nonchalant but somehow poised and undeniably sophisticated aura that this trend presents.
Bethany Paige X
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Current obsessions: Pastel edition
You may well notice whilst reading that this wishlist is completely compiled of clothes in dainty pastels and washed out shades. Although this was entirely unintentional, it turned out to be a rather happy coincidence, giving my current obsessions a kind of theme. Well, it's very easy to see where heart is at this week!
The 90s called...It wants its dress back! Yes, I know this pini is just so 20 years ago. If you're a regular reader though, you'll know that's the exact reason why this denim beauty jumped out at me. The light wash contrasts perfectly with the heavy duty straps to create a beautiful 90s concoction that's just too good to pass up.
Don't you just want to hate them? Jelly shoes do after all go against every fashionista's rule book. Yet, there's something about them - whether it be their clunky look or nostalgia inducing nature - that makes them all rather desirable. A year after writing this post, I'm still to get over my seemingly endless unconventional love.
This skirt is just adorable. The embellishment, the pale pink colour, the sheer bottom section. Everything. I love all of it! It seems like the kind of wardrobe staple that could seamlessly travel between day and night, with a simple switch from flats to heels. Not to mention how very ahead of the season any wearer would be. Blush pink is the colour of A/W 2013, didn't you know?
If summer was a shoe it would look a little something (exactly) like this. These pastel lace ups, regardless of their somewhat clunky shape, seem as light as a feather due to colour. Perhaps I'm honing in once again on the 90s teenager that is undoubtedly not so hidden inside me!
Another pair of lace up pastel coloured shoes Bethany, Really? Yes, really. Sorry to be more than slightly repetitive but I simply couldn't face putting one pair in a leaving the other out. They're just too pretty! Plus, these have the added allure of a cutout back.
Neopreen. Just about my favourite fabric. This sweater is so beautifully minimal that it's hard to see how it couldn't fit into anyone's wardrobe. It's undeniably versatile and has that sports luxe look that seems to always draw me in. However, perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself considering the weather is hitting highs of 30 degrees here in Kent!
Friday, 19 July 2013
Bon Voyage
For the past few months I have been counting down the days until tomorrow - July 20th. The thought of that day is one of the things that kept me going throughout my numerous exams and has excited me from beginning to end of my so far 4 week long summer holiday.
Tomorrow I'm off to Wales with some of my favourite people in the world and some amazing people that I've only just met! It marks the start of my trip with NCS, a group that offer experiences for young people to improve their skills in different areas. The first week - the one that I start tomorrow - is almost an adventure holiday with physical activities like kayaking and gorge walking. I for one, am extremely excited!
So, for the next 5 days I won't, unfortunately, be online at all (adventure holidays in Wales don't tend to come with Wifi!) But never fear, I have scheduled in some posts so that Paige of Fashion won't be laying completely dormant whilst I'm away. Obviously I won't be replying to comments and am unlikely to be tweeting so if you need to contact me drop me an email at paigeoffashion@hotmail.co.uk and I'll get back to you as soon as I'm home.
Tomorrow I'm off to Wales with some of my favourite people in the world and some amazing people that I've only just met! It marks the start of my trip with NCS, a group that offer experiences for young people to improve their skills in different areas. The first week - the one that I start tomorrow - is almost an adventure holiday with physical activities like kayaking and gorge walking. I for one, am extremely excited!
So, for the next 5 days I won't, unfortunately, be online at all (adventure holidays in Wales don't tend to come with Wifi!) But never fear, I have scheduled in some posts so that Paige of Fashion won't be laying completely dormant whilst I'm away. Obviously I won't be replying to comments and am unlikely to be tweeting so if you need to contact me drop me an email at paigeoffashion@hotmail.co.uk and I'll get back to you as soon as I'm home.
I'll also be collecting blogging inspiration whilst I'm in Wales. I'm taking several magazines with me and my blog note pad so that I can jot down any ideas I get on my trip. I'm not sure I could survive without some kind of fashion feed!
Until I'm back, I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Bethany Paige X
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
OOTD: Nostalgia
Nostalgia: A sentimental longing for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
With a sticker covered clutch bag, a pair of lilac jelly shoes and a rather clunky watch, it's safe to say that this OOTD has a huge sense of nostalgia surrounding it. And that's why I love it! Everything about the outfit transports me back in time, to the tamagotchis and hula hoops and grazed knees and sun cream smothered faces of an 8 year old Beth. I don't think I've ever worn an outfit that has exuded more fun!
I paired my unconventional accessories with a simple denim skater skirt (the perfect thing to spin in) and my "Rave cat" oversized tee. A tartan hair scrunchie and pair of reflective sunglasses seemed the perfect addictions to the summery outfit. Cue collective "awhh!"
Jelly shoes - JuJu Jellies, skirt - Miss Selfridge, top - Topshop, watch - Casio (found at a boot fare), clutch bag - DIY (found here), glasses - TK Maxx, scrunchie - unknown.
I hope you're all having a lovely day,
Bethany Paige X
Wednesday, 10 July 2013
Delicate decadence
A/W 2012 saw decadence within fashion hit a whole new level.
Observers watched as the baroque trend made its prominent entrance into the
season through Dolce and Gabbana, as oversized 70's style Perspex jewels began
to pop up on the fashion scene thanks to Prada, and as Louis Vuitton certainly
didn't scrimp on heavy fabrics and affluent finishes. It was the season of
opulence.
As can only be expected, this breath of fresh air will only last so long and undoubtedly, some more decadent pieces will begin to become apparent as time progresses. Looking forward at the A/W 2013 catwalks - a year after those heavy jewel encrusted fabrics screamed onto the scene – it does seem that adornments are once again beginning to make an appearance. This time around though, there’s a level of restraint among the embellishments and more evolved touches.
In place of the loud and very obvious adornments that were
so huge (no pun intended) just over 12 months ago, the coming season has
showcased a more subtle take on embellishments. The casual touch of sparkle or
the nonchalant addition of relaxed decadence is, according to the A/W 2013
catwalks, enough to get any fashionista through the cold months. The likes of Louis
Vuitton, Preen, Prada and even to some extent Gucci, have all played down
previous extravagances, without having the clothes be entirely minimal like those in this season.
Petit jewels have been scattered in delicate clusters. Dainty
silks and velvets have bought a slight but introvert sheen to the runways.
Nosier sections have been intercepted with panels of simplicity to stop each
ensemble from becoming too obtrusive.
It’s as though designers want us to showcase our luxurious
side, without being too overt in doing so. The more understated touches of A/W
don’t negate from the lavish feel of the clothes, nor do they make one question
the craftsmanship of each piece, but present instead a sophisticated air around
the wearer. She is capable of balancing glamour and uncalculated style with
ease. She seems to indulge herself, without being frivolous.
Bethany Paige X
Tuesday, 9 July 2013
Mission smile
I'm a strong believer that a smile is a gift. Among mornings full of commuters and busy mothers and moody teenagers on their ways to school, it's often a rarity to see someone crack a grin or even a smirk. It's unsurprising when you think about it. Let's be honest, our economy isn't in the best of states to put it mildly. Employment is rapidly becoming all the more rare and to top it all off, there was no coffee left this morning. How very, very dismal! It seems that world has become so caught up in these rather sad facts that a simple, free, and beautiful smile has become more surprising than the angry faces we often pass walking the streets of Britain.
I don't like that. I can't help but think that seeing a few people a day looking a little happier with the world, would somewhat brighten it. After all, doesn't a smile from a stranger make you want to smile too? That simple principle got me to thinking a few days ago. If I could find a way to make 10 people smile, maybe their smiles would make another 10 people to smile, and their smile could make another... well, you get the idea.
Here are some of the messages:
And some of my notes once out in the open:
That's it. Easy really. It's just a case of writing the notes, heading outside, putting them in some obvious and not so obvious places and then leaving the rest to whomever chooses to pick them up. The whole thing took me less than an hour and I actually really enjoyed it. Even the idea of making someone smile, made me smile! So, if the plan doesn't work on anybody else, at least it gave one person some happiness!
This is where you guys come in. I think it would be absolutely amazing if some of you followed my lead and went along with mission smile. It's exciting to think that as a group we could spread a smile throughout Britain, or even other countries around the world, isn't it? And all you need is some paper, a pen and a little spare time. It's really not much to ask for something that could make 10 people's days!
If you do get involved, I would love for you to let me know! Either comment on this post, write your own or tweet me (@PaigeOfFashion) with "#MissionSmile". Let's spread the word and get at least some people feeling a little happier, shall we?
Don't forget to smile,
Bethany Paige X
I don't like that. I can't help but think that seeing a few people a day looking a little happier with the world, would somewhat brighten it. After all, doesn't a smile from a stranger make you want to smile too? That simple principle got me to thinking a few days ago. If I could find a way to make 10 people smile, maybe their smiles would make another 10 people to smile, and their smile could make another... well, you get the idea.
Using that basic notion I made a plan: Mission smile. Let me explain. The "read me" notes you can see above all had some basic, but rather lovely messages on the back. I then went out into my local area and placed the pieces of card around. I put them in bushes, stuck them to bus stops and rolled them in between wire fences, all 10 of them, in the hopes that maybe they would be found and perhaps brighten the days of the lucky discoverers.
Here are some of the messages:
And some of my notes once out in the open:
This is where you guys come in. I think it would be absolutely amazing if some of you followed my lead and went along with mission smile. It's exciting to think that as a group we could spread a smile throughout Britain, or even other countries around the world, isn't it? And all you need is some paper, a pen and a little spare time. It's really not much to ask for something that could make 10 people's days!
If you do get involved, I would love for you to let me know! Either comment on this post, write your own or tweet me (@PaigeOfFashion) with "#MissionSmile". Let's spread the word and get at least some people feeling a little happier, shall we?
Don't forget to smile,
Bethany Paige X
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